Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 46 minutes ago
• comments: 10
Liked a youtube item created by @robert-owens: Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @robert-owens: Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer
@robert-owens
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"Ken Longfield:
I had to opportunity to see an Arthur Dixon dulcimer when I attended the Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming. It went through the 2022 flood in..."
@robert-owens
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"Robert Owens:
DavisJames:
Nice video.Loves to see that T-shirt with the flag.
Thanks, DavisJames...Newfoundland is one of my favorite places in the..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @connie-montgomery:
Posted a new Comment on @connie-montgomery:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Connie. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation in these discussions. Have fun exploring the site and making new..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"I had to opportunity to see an Arthur Dixon dulcimer when I attended the Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming. It went through the 2022 flood in Hindman. It is still..."
@robert-owens
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"DavisJames:
Nice video.Loves to see that T-shirt with the flag.
"
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @connie-montgomery:
Posted a new Comment on @connie-montgomery:
"Welcome Connie Montgomery to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. I know you will miss your friends from your former group. Maybe you can meet..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @valizzo:
Posted a new Comment on @valizzo:
"Great to have you join Valizzo. Congrats on your upcoming retirement. The dulcimer is a great instrument to learn to play and fall in love with. There is a..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"Nice video.Loves to see that T-shirt with the flag."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Liked a youtube item created by @robert-owens: Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @robert-owens: Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer
@phil-myers
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Clergy's Lamentation:
Posted a new Comment on The Clergy's Lamentation:
"Thank you Davisjames and Dusty!
I recorded this when i was relatively new to dulcimer so that explains the mixed up time signatures and not being bothered..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier Dulcimer":
"Though I'm not sure, I think Mr. Gallier is no longer building. "
@lilley-pad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Gary Gallier Dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Gary Gallier Dulcimer":
"Hello everybody once again it is just me Jon trying to pick everybody's brain. I was looking into getting a Gary Gallier Dulcimer
I'm intrigued with his..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Clergy's Lamentation:
Posted a new Comment on The Clergy's Lamentation:
"Nice playing Phil. That's a tune I tried to play recently based on the music notation in O'Sullivan's book on O'Carolan, but I could not get the "feel" of..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @valizzo:
Posted a new Comment on @valizzo:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Valizzo. It's good to have you aboard. You will find an easy instrument to play without reading music. Most dulcimer players use a system..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @roger-butler:
Posted a new Comment on @roger-butler:
"So glad you joined Roger-butler. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Congrats on your plans to build a dulcimer and to learn to play the mountain..."
@roger-butler
• 2 days ago
• comments: 505
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you, Ken,"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @roger-butler:
Posted a new Comment on @roger-butler:
"Roger, here is a link to a good plan. I've made several dulcimers using this plan, both hourglass and teardrop. I'm a fan of the 27" VSL on this..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @roger-butler:
Posted a new Comment on @roger-butler:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Roger. I was just in eastern Kentucky at the Hindman Dulcimer Festival. I'm glad to hear that you are going to build a dulcimer and learn..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Nesting Season:
Posted a new Comment on Nesting Season:
"@davisjames
It is cool to hear things in the context of another song-- music builds on other music! I don't know that one from Steve Earle. There's a SE cd..."
@roger-butler
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @roger-butler:
Posted a new Comment on @roger-butler:
"Hell Everyone,
I am literally an hour, new to this group. That being said, I intend to build my first Dulcimer and learn to play it now that I am among the..."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Clergy's Lamentation:
Posted a new Comment on The Clergy's Lamentation:
"Lovely.I especially like the fact that for a few moments you mix up the time signatures which is a big part of traditional music(sorry,amateur folklorist..."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Natchez Under The Hill:
Posted a new Comment on Natchez Under The Hill:
"There's an expression in Cape Breton,",Drive 'er MacIvor!".. you do that."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Nesting Season:
Posted a new Comment on Nesting Season:
"Hi Robin,I like this tune a lot!Everytime I hear it I think of "Copperhead Road" by Steve Earle..It's in the mixolydian mode,sure,but there seemed to be..."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
"On reflection-I still play,but would hesitate to record, the music of my youth(Ottawa Valley style).A lot of it has been recorded many times over,why do it..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
"Well, John and Lisa, I've been building dulcimers for over 50 years now, and I've already made tens of dollars..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
"Jamie, I used to whack out a few Appalachian Old-Time fiddle tunes. Mostly, I play slow stuff these days. "
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @winstond: Mystery dulcimer from 1970
Liked a forum discussions item created by @winstond: Mystery dulcimer from 1970
@john-petry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
"Right after I make my 2nd million in instrument sales......[I've given up on the first]......"
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer from 1970":
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer from 1970":
"It's a nice looking dulcimer, but I don't have a clue as to who made it. I've never seen one like it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
"John Pettreemusic:
I think the swelling member count is due to the free swag bags of merch being offered to new members. String sets, jars of "jam", and..."
@john-petry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
"I think the swelling member count is due to the free swag bags of merch being offered to new members. String sets, jars of "jam", and Turtle polishing..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
"I remember when FOTMD was just a babe. "
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
"Well Dusty right at the moment we have about 2700 members. However, because people often 'move on' to other interests, I like to now and then go in and..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer from 1970":
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer from 1970":
"That is one beautiful dulcimer. I hope you are able to learn more about it."
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
"Wow. 2009? I think that's around the time I joined. How many are we now? 2000? 3000?"
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
"@davisjames, I can't speak for other people, but as I was learning the dulcimer I would post videos of standard old timey fare as I learned the repertoire:..."
@winstond
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Mystery dulcimer from 1970":
Created a new forum topic "Mystery dulcimer from 1970":
"Hello all, I wonder if anyone knows who made a dulcimer my stepmother just gave me. She told me this dulcimer was “made for her by some guy she met riding a..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @winstond:
Posted a new Comment on @winstond:
"Welcome to FOTMD WinstonD. It's good to have you aboard. I hope you find your old dulcimer. I look forward to your participation here. Have fun exploring..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
"Fotmd member @randy-adams plays a good number of American oldtime fiddlle tunes. There are many others here as well, perhaps not posting as much lately."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @mountainmender:
Posted a new Comment on @mountainmender:
"Welcome to FOTMD Mountainmender. It's good to have another Pennsylvanian on board. This is a wonderful community of dulcimer people. I look forward to your..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
Posted a response to "Only 10 to go till 200 members":
"(bump) ....from 2009, almost sixteen years ago. "
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
"Few people seem to perform the old songs/tunes as solo pieces. They are most often found in the performances of dulcimer clubs or in jams at festivals. One..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
"Ok, I have moved this thread to the "general dulcimer/music discussions" forum.
I think a lot depends on what members are posting videos and audios. Some..."
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
"It's just something I noticed(the dearth of old time American music in audio/video).. I meant to create a new topic in forums."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
Posted a response to "American old time music.":
"James, did you mean to post this in the "For Sale" forum? (Just wondering, either you are I can change the location of this thread if you like)"
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "American old time music.":
Created a new forum topic "American old time music.":
"I don't hear much old time American music on the website anymore.I love that stuff but I have to go back in the archives to hear it.In the meantime I'm..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @winstond:
Posted a new Comment on @winstond:
"So good to have you join, WinstonD. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a wonderful family of dulcimer folks. Please look around and see..."
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
All
Latest Forum Posts All
Gary Gallier Dulcimer
Posted: Friday May 9 2025, 10:38 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
American old time music.
Posted: Thursday May 8 2025, 8:16 AM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Only 10 to go till 200 members
Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 11:37 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Mystery dulcimer from 1970
Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 10:43 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
tuning pegs
Posted: Tuesday May 6 2025, 9:46 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Any information about this...
Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 11:41 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 8:10 AM
By: @Terry Jaye
By: @Terry Jaye
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Monday April 28 2025, 11:22 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
McCafferty Desert Motif...
Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 10:52 PM
By: @fromsfca
By: @fromsfca
WTB: glass noter
Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 4:42 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
six string Dulcimer
Posted: Friday April 25 2025, 2:34 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Amplification of an...
Posted: Thursday April 24 2025, 1:28 AM
By: @Pux0r3
By: @Pux0r3
Help with restoring a 1962...
Posted: Tuesday April 22 2025, 10:29 PM
By: @Robert Owens
By: @Robert Owens
Free Tab books, New (taken)
Posted: Tuesday April 22 2025, 10:27 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
New Harmony saddle?
Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
John Stockard Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 8:04 AM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
recommendations for...
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 12:12 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 3:12 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 2:48 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Thursday April 17 2025, 1:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
2 dulcimer dilemma
Posted: Tuesday April 15 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Don Neuhauser
Posted: Monday April 14 2025, 6:18 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
International Appalachian...
Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 9:33 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Mountain Dulcimer Picture...
Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 6:09 AM
By: @dulcidom
By: @dulcidom
Tinny sounding strings
Posted: Friday April 11 2025, 10:02 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Gold Tone Dulciborn -...
Posted: Thursday April 10 2025, 5:35 PM
By: @
By: @
Anyone Recognize This Builder
Posted: Wednesday April 2 2025, 10:51 AM
By: @msdeebee
By: @msdeebee
Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 12:59 PM
By: @Badger
By: @Badger
Lute Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 11:00 AM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
Short scale dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:42 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Read the Site Rules
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